Substation Project Structural Engineer

Substation Project Structural Engineer – HDR

Join HDR as a Substation Project Structural Engineer, contributing to the design and execution of high voltage electrical switchyard and substation projects up to 500 kV. You will work with engineers, project managers, and clients across multiple office locations to deliver reliable, resilient, and sustainable power systems.

At HDR we’re employee‑owned, fostering a culture of inclusion and empowerment. We aim to make the world’s energy infrastructure smarter and more efficient.

• Execute structural engineering tasks for a variety of substation structural members such as rolled steel shapes, lattice steel framing, and folded plate tubular steel shapes. Tasks include detailed design, calculations, and detailing for fabrication or development of loading and concept drawings for submittal to a steel fabricator.
• Execute foundation design tasks for substation structures, including drilled piers, spread footings, driven piles, and other types, using industry standard software.
• Prepare and/or review specifications for construction & materials.
• Assign project tasks to EITs and provide technical guidance to non‑structural project team members.
• Coordinate and/or perform quality checks and reviews for project deliverables per HDR Quality Management Systems (QMS) requirements, processes, and procedures to deliver a world‑class product to the client. Perform quality checks and/or reviews of projects from other teams on an as‑needed basis.
• Collaborate with other engineers to develop and maintain standards.
• Work independently and mentor and train one or more EITs and designers.
• Execute multiple projects concurrently, collaborating with teams in different locations.
• Participate in project reviews as needed.
• Some travel may be required.

• Technical design experience with physical/outdoor design of high voltage electrical switchyard and substation projects of varying complexity.
• Familiarity with the latest NESC, NEC, IEEE, ANSI, ASCE-113 and other industry standards.
• Experience using industry standard design software, including PLS-Tower and Mathcad Prime, AutoCAD or Micro Station.
• Minimum 5 years of technical design experience with high voltage electrical switchyard and substation projects, including foundation and steel structural design.
• Working knowledge of the latest AISC-360, ASCE-7, ACI-318, and other industry standards.
• Experience using industry standard design software, including STAAD, RISA, MFAD, L-Pile, or equivalent.
• Self-starter with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong conceptual, organizational, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering
• Professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered (e.g., PE or P.Eng).
• Previous structural engineer experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, RISA, STAAD, SAP, Tedds, RAM, ETABS, SAFE or similar.
• Previous experience with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm.
• Committed to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture.

HDR is the company. Together, we build on each other’s life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust, and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected, and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, health, performance, and success. The expected compensation range for this position depends on skills, experience, education and geographical location: $90,682 – $145,990.

United States — North Carolina — Charlotte

Full‑time

Management, Consulting, and Engineering

Nov 24, 2025

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.